Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC
Lauren Brands
Counselor, MA, LAC
or

Lauren Brands

Counselor, MA, LAC (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
7 Endorsed
3651 E Baseline Rd Suite E-222, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Let's Connect (623) 343-2576
Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC
Hello there! I’m Lauren, a Licensed Associate Counselor, and I’m honored you’re here. As both a spouse of a first responder and an Army combat medic veteran, I understand the unique challenges that come with life in service. These experiences inspired me to specialize in supporting first responders, military personnel, ER staff, and their families. I strive to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are—no judgment, just authenticity. In session, we laugh, cry, and sometimes curse, because healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about being real, being heard, and finding strength together.
Beyond my work with first responders and military personnel, my hope is to support you in building resilience, developing coping tools, and creating boundaries that foster healing and growth. I’m especially passionate about EMDR therapy, while also drawing from a variety of approaches to meet each client's individual needs.
I strive to create a warm, safe space where you feel truly seen, heard, and supported. You’re not alone—your feelings and experiences matter. Whether you're facing trauma, stress, anxiety, or feeling stuck, together we’ll navigate healing, celebrate your strengths, and address challenges with care. I’m honored to walk beside you toward growth and resilience.
Call or Lauren Brands now for a free 15 minute consultation - (623) 343-2576

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Thrive Counseling Services

3651 E Baseline Rd Suite E-222

Gilbert, AZ 85234 map

(623) 343-2576
My website
I offer inperson and telehealth sessions in a calm, welcoming space with comfy blankets, good coffee, and chocolate to help you feel at ease
I specialize in First Responders, Veterans and Trauma and PTSD 
$140 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and groups  
Let's Connect (623) 343-2576
Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Thrive Counseling Services

3651 E Baseline Rd Suite E-222

Gilbert, AZ 85234 map

(623) 343-2576
My website
I offer inperson and telehealth sessions in a calm, welcoming space with comfy blankets, good coffee, and chocolate to help you feel at ease
I specialize in First Responders, Veterans and Trauma and PTSD 
$140 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and groups  

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $140
  • Couple Sessions $140

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Public Safety Crisis Soluition
  • The Craig Tiger Act
  • Out of Network
"
Our practice is private pay only. We can provide something called a "superbill." It's pretty much a fancy receipt and some insurance companies allow you to submit them for reimbursement. It's definitely worth asking your insurance company about!
Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC
Lauren Brands
Counselor, MA, LAC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (623) 343-2576
"
Our practice is private pay only. We can provide something called a "superbill." It's pretty much a fancy receipt and some insurance companies allow you to submit them for reimbursement. It's definitely worth asking your insurance company about!
Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC
Lauren Brands
Counselor, MA, LAC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (623) 343-2576

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of Arizona / LAC-23661 Lauren Brands
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 2 years
  • Attended Ottawa University, Master of Arts in Counseling, Graduated 2025
"
I am a Military Star Behavioral Health Provider and am currently completing my Certified First Responder certification. I have specialty training in trauma, abuse, and deprivation, and work from an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach to support healing, resilience, and long-term recovery.
Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC
Lauren Brands
Counselor, MA, LAC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (623) 343-2576
"
I am a Military Star Behavioral Health Provider and am currently completing my Certified First Responder certification. I have specialty training in trauma, abuse, and deprivation, and work from an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach to support healing, resilience, and long-term recovery.
Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC
Lauren Brands
Counselor, MA, LAC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (623) 343-2576

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • First Responders
  • Veterans
  • Trauma and PTSD

Expertise

  • ADHD
  • Alcohol Use
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Borderline Personality (BPD)
  • Chronic Illness
  • Codependency
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief
  • Infertility
  • Infidelity
  • Life Transitions
  • Marital and Premarital
  • Men's Issues
  • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Stress
"
I support trauma and PTSD, including work with high-stress roles, as well as ADHD, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, substance use, and life transitions. Treatment typically includes skill-building, nervous system regulation, and trauma processing, with benefits such as improved emotional regulation, healthier relationships, resilience, and daily functioning.
Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC
Lauren Brands
Counselor, MA, LAC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (623) 343-2576
"
I support trauma and PTSD, including work with high-stress roles, as well as ADHD, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, substance use, and life transitions. Treatment typically includes skill-building, nervous system regulation, and trauma processing, with benefits such as improved emotional regulation, healthier relationships, resilience, and daily functioning.
Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC
Lauren Brands
Counselor, MA, LAC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (623) 343-2576

7 Endorsements

Cassidy Pavelich
Cassidy Pavelich
CounselorLACMS
Lauren is such a breath of fresh air in this space! She is warm, empathetic, and tailors her approach to her clients' individual needs. Especially for those seeking support who work in healthcare and first responder roles - Lauren is your gal!
Amanda Leno
Amanda Leno
CounselorMALPC
Lauren goes above and beyond to help her clients. She is a tremendous clinician and cares so much about her clients.
Cali Crismon
Cali Crismon
CounselorMALAC
Lauren is fantastic! She is a professional in her field and a wonderful counselor. I could not recommend her more!
Stephanie Munro
Stephanie Munro
Licensed Professional CounselorMAPCLPC
Lauren has a passion for first responders, military, medical personnel and their families. My go to referral for clients in and from that space.
Adam Dregely
Adam Dregely
Pre-Licensed ProfessionalPsyD
Lauren is a fantastic clinician with verifiable expertise in working with individuals who have experienced traumatic stress. I recommend her frequently to first responders, military personnel, and medical providers.
Sierra Hebdon
Sierra Hebdon
CounselorLAC
Lauren offers compassionate, trauma-informed care for first responders, military members, veterans, healthcare providers, and their families. Her warmth helps clients feel seen while building resilience and lasting growth. I would trust her with my family!

Client Focus

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Group

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Group

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
  • Attachment-based
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
  • EMDR
  • Emotionally Focused
  • Interpersonal
  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Multicultural
  • Person-Centered
  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
I use EMDR, attachment-focused, mindfulness-based, and strength-based approaches. Sessions are collaborative, grounded, and paced to your needs, with a focus on nervous system regulation, processing past experiences, building resilience, strengthening self-trust, and supporting day-to-day functioning and meaningful change.
Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC
Lauren Brands
Counselor, MA, LAC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (623) 343-2576
"
I use EMDR, attachment-focused, mindfulness-based, and strength-based approaches. Sessions are collaborative, grounded, and paced to your needs, with a focus on nervous system regulation, processing past experiences, building resilience, strengthening self-trust, and supporting day-to-day functioning and meaningful change.
Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC
Lauren Brands
Counselor, MA, LAC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (623) 343-2576

Groups

Location

Primary Location

Thrive Counseling Services

3651 E Baseline Rd Suite E-222

Gilbert, AZ 85234

(623) 343-2576

Nearby Areas

"
I offer inperson and telehealth sessions in a calm, welcoming space with comfy blankets, good coffee, and chocolate to help you feel at ease
Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC
Lauren Brands
Counselor, MA, LAC
Call for a free consultation now - (623) 343-2576
"
I offer inperson and telehealth sessions in a calm, welcoming space with comfy blankets, good coffee, and chocolate to help you feel at ease
Photo of Lauren Brands, Counselor, MA, LAC
Lauren Brands
Counselor, MA, LAC
Call for a free consultation now - (623) 343-2576